Honda Jazz 1.5 S i DTEC review

HCIL has finally introduced the much anticipated hatchback series, Jazz in the country's car market. It is being sold in quite a few variants, among them Honda Jazz 1.5 S iDTEC is their mid range trim. It is powered by a 1498cc diesel engine under the bonnet, which is integrated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system. It is coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. This hatchback is going to compete against the likes of Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Elite i20, Maruti Swift, Fiat Punto EVO and others in this segment. The company has designed this vehicle with a total height of 1524mm along with a length of 3996mm, which is rather good. Meanwhile, it has an overall width of 1694mm, which includes both external rear view mirrors. Its minimum ground clearance is about 165mm and its wheelbase measures 2530mm that ensures a spacious cabin inside. All its exterior cosmetics have a basic design, but it looks stunning owing to its aerodynamic body structure. As far as its interiors are concerned, it has a dual tone color scheme, which gives a pleasant look to the cabin. It is incorporated with several sophisticated aspects like height adjustable driver's seat, fuel consumption display, an advanced instrument panel and air conditioning unit with heater. Its safety features include all the standard aspects including an engine immobilizer, airbags and seatbelts, which are essential for passenger's security.

Exteriors:

To start with its front facade, it has a trendy headlight cluster that houses powerful halogen headlamps along with turn indicators. The radiator grille in the center has a bold structure and fitted with a thick black strip. It is embedded with a prominent company logo in the center as well. Below this, its body colored bumper has a rugged design featuring an air intake section for cooling the engine. Surrounding this is the round shaped fog lamps that gives a dynamic look to the frontage and adds to the visibility. The large windscreen is made of laminated glass and accompanied by a couple of intermittent wipers. Coming to the side facet, this vehicle has a lot of expressive lines, especially on top of the fenders and door panels, which renders it a modernistic appeal. Its well molded wheel arches have been equipped with a sturdy set of steel wheels, which are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres. Its window sills along with the B pillars are treated in black, whereas the external door handles and the wing mirrors are garnished in body color. Its rear end has radiant taillight cluster featuring powerful brake lamps and turn indicators. In the center, the boot lid has an edgy structure that is decorated with variant badging.

Interiors:

It has a smooth dashboard equipped with a few features like AC vents, a large glove box, an advanced instrument panel with several functions and a three spoke steering wheel. The cabin is incorporated with well cushioned seats, which are covered with premium quality upholstery. These are integrated with adjustable head restraints that add to the comfort level. The rear seat comes with split foldable function that helps in increasing the boot volume. These seats provide enough leg space and head room for all passengers. It has a couple of 12V power socket for charging mobiles and other electronic devices. The advanced instrument panel is equipped with several functions like a low fuel warning light, a digital clock, driver seat belt reminder notification, key-in reminder with buzzer, individual door open display and many other warning and notifications. In addition to these, it also has sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror, boot mat, rear parcel shelf, floor carpet, all four power windows with driver side auto down function, central interior light, grab rail and so on.

Engine and Performance:

As said above, this variant is fitted with a 1.5-litre diesel power plant that comes with a displacement capacity of 1498cc. It is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system. It carries four cylinders and sixteen valves using a double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. It has the ability of churning out a maximum power of 98.6bhp at 3600rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 200Nm at just 1750rpm. It is mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. This iDTEC diesel engine has the ability of churning out a peak mileage of about 27.3 Kmpl under standard driving conditions.

Braking and Handling:

The manufacturer has given this compact hatchback an efficient braking as well as reliable suspension mechanism. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of disc brakes, while rear ones get conventional drum brakes as well. The braking mechanism is further augmented by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution. The front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut and rear one is fitted with torsion beam type of mechanism. Both these axles are accompanied by coil springs, which keep the vehicle agile. It has a responsive power steering system, which is tilt adjustable. It supports a minimum ground clearance of 4.5 meters.

Comfort Features:

The manufacturer has equipped this variant with all essential features, which are necessary for an enjoyable driving experience. It has been offered with height adjustable driver seat, while the rear seat comes with adjustable headrest for extra comfort. The air conditioning unit has a heater and pollen filter for purifying the cabin air. For in-car entertainment, the company has given it an advanced music system, which supports USB port, Aux-in interface, AM/FM radio tuner, CD/MP3 player along with four speakers that enhances the ambiance of its cabin. It is integrated with a number of utility based aspects like cup and bottle holders, map pockets in all doors, glove box with pen and card holder, interior lamps with theater dimming effect and rear luggage cover.

Safety and Security:

In terms safety, the company has taken complete care with this and has provided a safety baggage, which include everything. It has an advanced engine immobilizer, which safeguards the vehicle from theft and any unauthorized entry. This variant is bestowed with dual SRS (supplement restraint system) based airbags for driver and front co-passenger that minimizes the impact of collision. This vehicle has seat belt for all passengers with pretensioner and load limiter. It also has driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel.

Pros:

1. Diesel engine has the ability of producing decent mileage. 3. Attractive exterior appearance with a lot of features.

Cons:

1. Interior design can still be made better. 2. Engine noise and harshness should be improved.